Shakespeare in the Park returns to Carrickfergus

The ever-popular Shakespeare in the Park is set to entertain audiences again in Carrickfergus on Friday, July 19 with a production of The Tempest.

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council is promoting this opportunity to enjoy live theatre set in one of their most popular and accessible parks.

Families can come along to Shaftesbury Park and enjoy the outdoor performance which is suitable for all ages.

The event is part of Love Parks Week but has also become a firm favourite with locals.

Previous years have seen the venue host a variety of Shakespearean works, including A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Twelfth Night, The Comedy of Errors and last year The Merchant of Venice. Year on year this event has grown in popularity so demand for tickets will be high this year again.

Bring your chairs and picnics and enjoy this lyrical, thought-provoking and raucously funny production. International award-winning Illyria promise a show to keep you on the edge of your seat!

Gates will open at 6.30pm, when the audience can enjoy the sounds of Espresso Jazz before the play begins at 7.30pm.

Now in its 28th year, Illyria has delighted audiences all over the UK, Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, France, the United States and Canada, performing some of the most popular productions on offer.

Illyria’s Artistic Director, Oliver Gray, said: “Illyria has given more performances to people across a wider area than any other open-air touring theatre company, proudly maintaining professional productions for over a quarter of a century.

"We're really pleased to be performing at Shaftesbury Park and can't wait to see how the audience reacts."

Tickets cost £3 and are available from Carrickfergus Visitor Information Centre.

Admission is free for under 16s, who must be accompanied by an adult.

For more information and to keep up to date you can go to www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/events